DHAKA: Rio Ferdinand is to leave Manchester United in the summer after the defender was not offered a new contract.        
The 35-year-old's departure will bring to an end a 12-year stay at the club, for whom he has made 454 appearances, scoring eight goals.                                                               

"After 12 fantastic years I have decided the time is right for me to move on," said Ferdinand.       

He intends to continue playing but his next club is still unknown, says BBC.       

United are believed to have told Ferdinand they want him to come back and be a 'Club Legend' going forward, in recognition of what he achieved during his time with the club.   

The position is an ambassadorial role that several other significant players from the club's past have accepted.     

Ferdinand helped United win six league titles, two League Cups, one Champions League and a Club World Cup.              

He made his final appearance for the Old Trafford club in the 1-1 draw at Southampton in the final game of the season on Sunday.

BDST: 0933 HRS, MAY 13, 2014